India, Sept. 2 -- Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide. Despite the availability of prophylactic HPV vaccines, recent data indicates that the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer is increasing worldwide. As seen in the figure above, there are a few prophylactic vaccines approved for use. (All vaccines are administered by intramuscular injection)

Though these vaccines are highly effective, they provide type restricted immunity and hence incomplete protection. Moreover, there is risk of emergence of viral genotypes not included in the current vaccine formulations. Due to the complex and lengthy manufacturing process, the cost is high and hence not affordable by low-income populations. Hence, there is a critical ...